Shuttlers told to show their best in Sudirman Cup

Shuttlers told to show their best in Sudirman Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI)
chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, urged national shuttlers to perform
to the best of their abilities in the Sudirman Cup and World
Championships in Copenhagen next week.

Speaking before the national team members at the Indonesian
Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta, Subagyo said although
Indonesia was not the strongest candidate, an all-out performance
was still needed.

"We'll meet China and Malaysia in the group round-robin. But
let's not view the match as a burden. Use the challenge to boost
your motivation."

Indonesia will meet Malaysia on May 11 and China on May 12.

Team manager and PBSI vice chairman Agus Wirahadikusumah, said
he would not worry about Indonesia's prospects with Malaysia and
would not expect too much from the match against China.

"We can't be over confident against Malaysia, but we'll loosen
up a bit against China. We must also focus on our physical
condition."

Agus said Mia's absence would not influence the team's
performance.

"It's a team event. Her absence won't influence our form.
Besides, we hope our women's singles can provoke surprises at the
event," he said, adding that Mia had requested two months leave
to go to the Netherlands.

On the first day, men's singles Hendrawan and Taufik Hidayat
have a good chance against Malaysians Yong Hock Kin, Ong Ewe Hock
and Roslin Hashim. In the women's singles, Cindana and Ellen
Angelina also have a good chance to overcome Malaysian Wong Sze
Mei.

In the doubles, men's duo Cheah Soon Kit and Choong Tan Fook,
are the big threat for Indonesia's Ricky Subagja and Rexy
Mainaky.

Indonesia will send Taufik, Hendrawan, Ricky, Rexy, Candra
Wijaya, Toni Gunawan, Flandy Limpele, Eng Hian, Tri Kusherjanto
and Bambang Suprianto in the men's side. In the women's side,
Cindana, Ellen, Lidya Djaelawidjaja, Etty Tantri, Cynthia
Tuwankotta, Indarti Issoliana, Deyana Lomban, Carmelita, Zelin
Resiana and Minarti Timur will join the Sudirman Cup squad. The
team will leave on Thursday.

A second group for the World Championships -- consisting of
Budi Santoso, Hariyanto Arbi, Antonius, Denny Kantono, Wahyu
Agung and Elysa and Emma Ermawati -- will depart on May 13.

Subagyo was disappointed with the absence of key players
Hendrawan, Hariyanto, Tri, Bambang, Zelin and Minarti during
yesterday's meet.

PBSI training director Christian Hadinata, said Hariyanto was
in Kudus, Central Java, to attend the funeral of an official from
his club Djarum Kudus. Hendrawan had a therapy session on
Wednesday. But the four others did not provide reasons for their
absence.

"Actually I'm disappointed and ashamed of their attitude.
Their daily routines reflect their personalities. It's
undisciplined. It looks like a small problem but it's important,"
he said. (yan)